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The 2024 Los Angeles Family Office Conference

08:00 – 09:00 AMNetworking Breakfast
09:00 – 09:10 AMOpening Remarks
Denny Chared, Founder & CEO, DC Finance
Marcia S. Nelson, Managing Director, Freedom Capital Markets; Founding Partner, Triple C Advisory – Conference Moderator
09:10 – 09:30 AMAligning Family Office Investments with Personal Passions 
Marcia S. Nelson, Managing Director, Freedom Capital Markets; Founding Partner, Triple C Advisory – Moderator
Aaron Hageman, Advisor, Investor & Coach
Rachel Rivera, Chief Operating Officer, Wild Lives Foundation
Kelly Freis, Founder & Principal, International Growth Capital
Family offices are putting more money into cutting-edge areas that match their personal passions, like tech, sustainability, and healthcare. Not only does this help them mix up their investments, but it also lets them make a real impact in areas they care about. Our panelists will dive into their own experiences and how that shapes the way they invest. 
09:30 – 09:40 AMA New Standard of Care in the Deadly Disease of Colorectal Cancer
Jonathan Northrup, CEO, Stingray Therapeutics Inc.
If you are diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, you odds are 87% dead in 5 years from this disease. We are starting a phase 1-2 clinical trial to show that these odds can dramatically be improved with a new regimen in immune oncology utilizing our new drug. Enthusiasm for this trial is amazing, and we have received $14M non-dilutive to support it. We are looking for investors touched by colorectal cancer to help us support this effort to dramatically change the standard of care in colorectal cancer.
09:40 – 09:50 AMA Score to Settle – Behind the Scenes with Credit Bureau 2.0 and its Award Winning, ESG-Forward Mission that Rights a $Multi-Trillion Wrong
Evan V Chrapko, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Trust Science
This lecture will cover “credit invisibles” or “hidden prime” borrowers. These borrowers suffer under-banking or outright financial exclusion. The $multi-billion, established credit scoring industry does not have incentives to address inclusivity, and Trust Science® is now disrupting this industry. This creates very real, very human opportunities for marginalized people to join the modern economy.
09:50 – 10:00 AMCurrent Trends and Insights in Real Estate
Adam Chrisakis, Director, Investor Relations, Post Real Estate Group
The U.S. is in a perennial shortage of affordable housing, driving outsized demand from renters in virtually every part of the country. There are a variety of government subsidies available to incentivize multifamily owners to provide affordable product. Many of these incentives are unknown, creating a unique opportunity to help address the crisis while delivering superior financial returns to investors. 
10:00 – 10:10 AMThe Missing Piece to Your Financial Future: Maximizing Retirement Savings Through Private Mortgage Investing with CMI Financial Group Inc.
Dave Tanner, Director, US Investments & Lending, CMI Financial Group Ltd.
Discover how private mortgage investing can transform your retirement strategy. In this insightful session with Dave Tanner, discover why savvy investors are turning to private mortgages for higher yields, reduced risk, and enhanced capital preservation. Learn how partnering with an experienced, full-service firm like CMI Financial Group ensures a seamless investment experience with comprehensive management and monitoring. Private mortgage investments offer the potential to enhance returns while mitigating risk, providing a stabilizing force in your portfolio. This presentation is ideal for anyone looking to boost retirement savings while safeguarding their financial future.  
10:10 – 10:30 AMTackling the Global Mental Health Challenge 
Zak Williams, Entrepreneur, Investor, Mental Health Advocate, Next Generation of the Late Robin Williams
In this lecture, Zak Williams will provide a personal account of his journey up to creating PYM, as well as mental health charities and organizations Bring Change 2 Mind with Glenn Close, United for Global Mental Health, and Project Healthy Minds. He will discuss the challenges and opportunities in building market-based solutions to the complex system challenge that is global mental health. He will point out the commercial and social impacts generated by building companies that tackle mental health in various ways, placing what they do in context. The goal of the interventions are to empower people in need with the tools to effectively manage their mental health for better, longer, and higher quality lives.  
10:30 – 11:00 AMCoffee Break
11:00 – 11:20 AMDriving Innovation, Growth, and Long-Term Success
Natalia Sokolova, Managing Partner, SGG World LLC – Moderator
Bridget Kilroy, Vice President, First Trust Family Office Practice
Tara Roth, President, Goldhirsh Foundation
How can family offices leverage unique perspectives and experiences to drive innovation, growth, and overall success in managing family wealth and investments, with a focus on impact investment that creates positive social and environmental change?
11:20 – 11:40 PMSuccessful Biotech Investing – Reducing Risk while Increasing Returns
Muneer A. Satter, Vice Chairman, Goldman Sachs Foundation & Goldman Sachs Gives; Chairman, Satter Family Foundation
Biotech investing is inherently risky. What are the secrets to reducing risk while increasing returns?
11:40 – 11:50 AMRedefining Agriculture: A Blueprint for Global Food Security
Dennis Levine, Founder & CEO, Water Garden Farms LLC
In a world confronting climate change and depleting resources, we must revolutionize our approach to food production to feed a growing population. At Water Garden Farms, we’re not just farming—we’re cultivating change and setting a standard for mass transformation by delivering unparalleled ROI to consumers, retailers, shareholders, and the planet. A sustainable future depends on our creativity, integrity, and innovative models that drive adoption in capital markets.
11:50 – 12:00 PMThe Chicago School
Michele Nealon, President, The Chicago School
The Chicago School is a leading nonprofit university dedicated to improving the health of individuals, organizations, and communities through a solutions-oriented educational approach, coupled with real-world experiences. Our graduates leave with the cultural competence and practical skills needed to uplift marginalized populations and make a positive difference in the world. The Chicago School is proud to be part of The Community Solution Education System, an integrated, nonprofit system that works collaboratively to advance institutional sustainability, increase student success, and enhance community impact.
12:00 – 12:15 PMYour Artificial Navigator for Universal Security and Information Online
Matthew Aizen, Founder & CEO, YANUS.IO
YANUS.IO is a groundbreaking digital identity management platform that simplifies and secures how individuals manage their online presence. Using advanced AI, it addresses privacy, digital legacy planning, and decentralised verification, unifying fragmented profiles into one secure framework. By leveraging aggregated data insights, YANUS.IO drives innovation and sets a new standard in digital identity and security.
12:15 – 12:35 PMVeterans Transitioning into Media & Entertainment 
Christopher Aw, Board Director, Operation Snow Leopard – Moderator
Michael Uslan, Originator & Executive Producer, The Batman Movie Franchise; Emmy Award Winner
Tom DeSanto, Producer, X-Men and Transformers
Rebecca Murga, Writer, ABC’s Will Trent & former US Army, VME Director
Just as Batman channels his experiences into a mission for justice, veterans in Hollywood draw upon their own stories of service, discipline, and teamwork to bring powerful, authentic perspectives to the screen. Their journey from the military to the film industry showcases a commitment to storytelling that celebrates resilience, strength, and purpose, bridging the values of service with the artistry of entertainment.
12:35 – 01:35 PMLunch
01:35 – 01:40 PMIntroduction to the Family Office Circle
Denny Chared, Founder & CEO, DC Finance
01:40 – 02:00 PMKeynote Lecture 
Sara Crown Star, Venture Partner, FemHealth Ventures; Director, Crown Family Foundation
Join Sara Crown Star to think about Impact. Learn about how Judge David Bazelon’s (previous Chief Judge of the US Court of Appeals’) work on mental health impacted her. Hear about how Sara’s work @FemHealth Ventures is impacting innovations in women’s health today, and think about where you want to make an impact. This presentation is intended to inspire you to take action to have an impact that will be meaningful to you!
02:00 – 02:20 PMFireside Chat about The Family Next Gen
Owen Matthews, Chairman, The Alacrity Foundation
Trevor Matthews, Board Member, Wesley Clover International; CEO, Brookstreet Pictures
02:20 – 02:40 PMThe Role of Direct Real Estate Investing for Family Offices
Alan Zafran, Founding Partner & Co-CEO, IEQ Capital – Moderator
David Rochkind, Chief Operating Officer, Culver Capital Partners LLC
Brad Meadow, Managing Director, Oakmont Corporation
This presentation will focus on the advantages of direct real estate investing for family offices, emphasizing how it offers greater control over assets, potential tax benefits, and long-term wealth preservation. We will explore the unique opportunities in private real estate markets, including diversification and tailored investment strategies. Lastly, we will highlight the importance of risk management and aligning investments with the family office’s goals and values.
02:40 – 03:00 PMThe 7-Eleven Story – A Fireside Chat 
Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk, Next Gen of the 7-Eleven Family; Co-Founder/President of The Memnosyne Institute, and General Partner, UTF Holdings
James W. Keyes, Former CEO, 7-Eleven Inc; Former Chairman & CEO, Blockbuster Inc; Chairman, Key Development LLC
03:00 – 03:20 PMFireside Chat: The Intersection of Sports and Entrepreneurship 
Ryan Braun, Former Major League Baseball Player; Managing Director, IEQ Capital
Noah Lichtenstein, Founder & Managing Partner, Crossover VC – Moderator
Today’s athletes are the tastemakers, the kingmakers, and the agents of influence. Swinging a bat or dribbling a basketball is just a small fraction of who the modern athlete is, and thanks to technology, the power of an athlete’s influence is only increasing. From entrepreneurship to investing, in this conversation we will discuss ways that today’s athletes are leveraging their platform – often in non-obvious ways – to achieve success beyond the field of play.
 
03:20 – 03:40 PMNext-Gen Strategies: Bridging Tradition and Innovation in Family Offices
Matthew Nordgren, Next Gen; Partner, Arcadian Capital – Moderator
Albert P. Lee, Founder & CEO, APL Ventures
Jonathan Hung, Managing Partner, Entrepreneur Ventures
Matthew Lowe, Founder, LH Capital
This panel will explore innovative sectors such as tech startups, renewable energy, and digital assets that align with next-gen interests. It will also discuss strategies to engage and prepare younger generations, ensuring smooth transitions while preserving the family legacy.
03:40 – 04:00 PMSafeguarding America: Innovation and Intelligence in the Fight Against Violent Extremism
John Harbaugh, Former Senior Executive Service (SES) Leader, United States Digital Initiative
Derek Knapp, Purple Heart Award Recipient, Army Ranger
Phil Weed, Distinguished Senior Strategic OSINT Analyst, & Clarion Project CIN Branch Chief for the Islamic Extremism Branch
Adam Nielson, President, 7 Vikings Security LLC
This panel will explore how cutting-edge technology and expert OSINT analysis are being used to expose, reduce, and prevent violent extremism before it strikes. Our elite team collaborates with law enforcement to deliver actionable intelligence that saves lives, with a special focus on protecting vulnerable communities and children. Learn how our rapid-response capabilities and unique partnerships are making a critical difference in safeguarding the American people.
04:00 – 05:00 PMCocktail Reception

 

The 2023 West Coast Family Office Conference

08:00 – 09:00 AMNetworking Breakfast
09:00 – 09:10 AMOpening Remarks
Denny Chared, Founder & CEO, DC Finance
Joey Behrstock, Senior Vice President, Paradigm-Gilbert Insurance Services, LLC – Conference Moderator
09:10 – 09:30 AMPanel: Veterans in Media & Entertainment & Operation Snow Leopard Afghanistan
Christopher Aw, Next Gen, CIO, Single Family Office – Moderator
Bonnie Abaunza, Social Impact Producer; Hotel Rwanda, Blood Diamond
Rebecca Murga, Director, Writer, U.S. Army Veteran
Caitlin Bassett, Actress, NBC’s Quantum Leap
Tom DeSanto, Creator, Writer & Producer, X-Men, Transformers
 
THE FINANCE SESSION
09:30 – 09:50 AMBanking Today – a View from the Trenches
Robert Setrakian, Chairman, Golden State Bank
The perspective of an insider/executive in a bank that has done all the right things to operate it in a safe and sound manner and serve its clients well yet has to be cognizant of what is going on in the industry and be alert on the failure of others and how it could affect his institution. Will also share his views on what the regulators and the Fed need to do to level the playing field between the “TBTF” (too big to fail) and the rest of them, especially on the deposit insurance angle. 
09:50 – 10:00 AMInvesting in Adult Beverage, a Non-Correlated Asset Class That Should be in Everyone’s Portfolio
Brian Rosen, Founder, InvestBev
All investors need non-correlated assets in their portfolio. The alcohol sector has provided a wonderful place for an ALT investment strategy, as liquor has historically gone up since 1933 and been recession proof. The InvestBev family of funds continue to provide out sized returns since inception.
 
10:00 – 10:40 AMA Proprietary Life Insurance Premium Financing Arrangement Exclusively for Qualifying High Net Worth Families
Joel H. Solomon, Managing Partner, Paradigm-Gilbert Insurance Services, LLC
Mark Silah CPA, Partner, NKSFB LLC
Estate taxation is significant even after implementing sophisticated estate planning techniques. For those clients who both financially and philosophically qualify, $25,000,000 or more of income and estate tax free life insurance can be acquired to pay estate taxes or as an alternate asset class using a small portion of the family’s net worth without paying out of pocket premiums. Although this sounds too good to be true, Mr. Solomon will explain this extraordinary opportunity which his firm alone is authorized to offer to a very select marketplace by several of the oldest and most highly respected life insurance companies.
10:40 – 11:10 AMCoffee Break 
11:10 – 11:25 AMLecture
Zak Williams, Entrepreneur, Investor, Mental Health Advocate
 
11:25 – 11:45 AMInside St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 
Sue Harpole, Senior Fellow, Development and Engagement ALSAC, St. Jude
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food – so they can focus on helping their child live. Because of generous donor support, we can provide children cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families. Since St. Jude opened in 1962, the hospital has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80 and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
 
11:45 – 11:55 AMEmergence of a New Category in Mainstream Video Games – Fee Based Gameplay for Instant Payouts on all Platforms
Derek Rathbun, Director & COO, Moxy.io
Moxy.io is the first and only plug & play solution for the mainstream video game industry that enables game developers and publishers to offer fee-based games modes for instant payouts. Currently, native gameplay within a video game limits players to earning digital rankings and high scores, however there is major market demand for players to play for real stakes. Moxy is the only solution of its kind and will make gameplay for instant payouts as common as online gameplay is today, in a very short amount of time.
 
11:55 – 12:05 PMThe Modern Family Office
Shaun Eck, Chief Advisory Officer, The Quantus Group
In 2021, John Hancock declared “tax the wealthy” had become the rallying cry of Congress. At the intersection of unique problems and unique solutions, providing families the opportunity to maintain assets on their balance sheet, not the IRS’, has become paramount in helping them fulfill the vision for their wealth. 
 
THE TECHNOLOGY SESSION
 
12:05 – 12:15 PMTechnology and Life Science
John Dvor, EVP, North America, Pluri Inc.
Pluri is a biotechnology company creating cell-based products for commercial use, pioneering a biotech revolution that promotes global wellbeing and sustainability. The Company’s technology platform, a patented and validated state-of-the-art 3D cell expansion system, advances novel cell-based solutions for a range of initiatives— from medicine and climate change to food scarcity, animal cruelty and beyond. 
12:15 – 12:25 PMSkin Surgery Transformed: The Dawn of a New Era
Dr. Daniela Marino, Co-Founder & CEO, CUTISS
Envision a future where severe skin damage, from burns to cancer, from scars to trauma, transforms from a lifelong battle to a brief challenge. As climate change intensifies and burn accidents and skin diseases escalate, we stand on the brink of a deep tech revolution. We’re ushering in a new era where skin regeneration isn’t just possible—it’s a promise. 
12:25 – 12:35 PMSoundscape Multi-Reality Concert Streaming Technology in VR or 2D Driven by Sonic AI
Scott Keniley, Chief Legal Officer, Soundscape VR
Scott Keniley will introduce the wonders of Soundscape to the audience by demonstrating a video of the music experience then further elaborate on the VR and Sonic AI technologies, market analysis, projections, the founder and the team.  
12:35 – 12:50 PMFireside Chat
Denny Chared, Founder & CEO, DC Finance – Moderator
Tal Kerret, President, Silverstein Properties
 
12:50 – 01:50 PMLunch
01:50 – 02:10 PMFireside Chat: Doing Good While Doing Well
Rabbi Noah Farkas, President & CEO, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles – Moderator
Richard Sandler, Executive Vice President and Trustee, The Milken Family Foundation
 
02:10 – 02:20 PMRethinking Real Estate Investment for Family Offices: Structuring Investments to Maximize Upside with Quality Sponsors & Protect Gains from Taxes
Mark R. Putney, Managing Partner, MNM Partners LLC
Common real estate investment structures struggle to create win-win situations for sponsors and investors alike, with investors either giving up their upside potential or guaranteeing a return that removes sponsor incentives. When both parties are aligned, it is possible to formulate a structure & business plan to maximize gains and minimize tax burden for all parties. MNM Partners has a 17-year track record structuring deals according to this formula in the value-add multifamily & multi-tenant office asset classes, and we will share our outlook on unique strategies Family Offices can leverage to better position their real estate investments with third-party sponsors.
02:20 – 02:55 PMPanel: Antisemitism and Hatred
Arash Farin, CEO, Centerstone Capital – Moderator
Dr. Sharon S. Nazarian, President, Y&S Nazarian Family Foundation
Nancy Spielberg, Award Winning Producer; Businesswoman and Philanthropist
Given the war in Gaza, anti-Semitism has once again risen to top of our collective consciousness, with many instances of violence, threats, or harassment of Jews around the world. Yet, this plague is nothing new, and has existed for centuries. We explore the origins of anti-Semitism, how it has evolved over the years, what has fueled the recent increase, and some possible solutions.
02:55 – 03:20 PMExploring the Power of Impact Investing: Unleashing Positive Change
Bridget Kilroy, Founder & CEO, The Global 51 – Moderator
Manuela Testolini, Founder, In A Perfect World Foundation
Andrew Fielding, Second Gen Family Member & Investor
Philippe Costeau, Author, Speaker, and Social Entrepreneur
Alexandra Peterson, Investor & Advisor
In this thought-provoking panel discussion, we will explore the crucial role that impact investing plays in creating a sustainable and equitable future for wildlife, our planet, and humanity. Our esteemed infulencial panelists will share their insights, strategies, and success stories in leveraging investments to make a meaningful impact.
03:20 – 03:40 PMPanel: Entrepreneurship, Family Business and Next Generations
Denny Chared, Founder & CEO, DC Finance – Moderator
Caspar von Winterfeldt, Family Member, Entrepreneur & Investor
Lauren Selig, Entrepreneur & Executive Producer
Adil Adi, Founder & CEO, WorldLink
03:40 – 04:15 PMThe AI Panel
Mark Minevich, President & Founding Partner, Going Global Ventures; A Digital Cognitive and AI Strategist, a Global Thought Leader, an Investor, and an Artificial Intelligence Expert – Moderator
Dr. Vivienne Ming, Co-Founder & CEO, Socos Labs; Director, OptoCeutics; Chief Scientist, Dionysus; Chair Emeritus, StartOut
Benjamin Z Bronfman, Family Member & Founding Partner, Global Thermostat
Amir Ansari, Co-Founder Telecom Technologies; Board Member, XPRIZE Foundation
Hassan Sawaf, Founder & CEO, aiXplain
James Hodson, CEO & Founder, AI for Good Foundation
Amidst a backdrop of dynamic market conditions influenced by factors like pandemic,inflation, climate change, geopolitical unrest  and rise of ChatGPT, our discussion will span the ethical, human centric, planetary, enterprise facets of AI adoption . From establishing clear objectives to leveraging generative AI for enhanced market analysis, we’ll analyze a strategic approach to AI that can propel the sector forward amidst changing global economic tides. The panel will also unravel the generative AI and  discuss venture capital trends. As generative AI propels a new wave of innovation, the venture capital landscape is evolving to identify and foster unicorn companies. Through a blend of strategic AI deployment and human oversight, venture capital firms are harnessing AI’s potential to drive a new era of investment and entrepreneurial success. We will also try to make sense of the big tech companies and advancements in Generative AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs) are pivotal in shaping the AI landscape across various industries.
04:15 – 05:15 PMCocktail Reception